JP3542394B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Image forming device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP3542394B2
JP3542394B2 JP03724595A JP3724595A JP3542394B2 JP 3542394 B2 JP3542394 B2 JP 3542394B2 JP 03724595 A JP03724595 A JP 03724595A JP 3724595 A JP3724595 A JP 3724595A JP 3542394 B2 JP3542394 B2 JP 3542394B2
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image
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signal
forming
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JPH08237410A (en
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毅 國司
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Priority to JP03724595A priority Critical patent/JP3542394B2/en
Priority to US08/604,394 priority patent/US5790918A/en
Priority to DE69627919T priority patent/DE69627919T2/en
Priority to EP96102768A priority patent/EP0729260B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32502—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device in systems having a plurality of input or output devices
    • H04N1/32507—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device in systems having a plurality of input or output devices a plurality of input devices
    • H04N1/32512—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device in systems having a plurality of input or output devices a plurality of input devices of different type, e.g. internal and external devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00912—Arrangements for controlling a still picture apparatus or components thereof not otherwise provided for
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32502—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device in systems having a plurality of input or output devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32609—Fault detection or counter-measures, e.g. original mis-positioned, shortage of paper
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32609—Fault detection or counter-measures, e.g. original mis-positioned, shortage of paper
    • H04N1/32625—Fault detection
    • H04N1/32635—Fault detection of reproducing apparatus or receiver, e.g. out of paper
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0081—Image reader
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0082—Image hardcopy reproducer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0086—Image transceiver

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は画像形成装置、その中でも特にファクシミリ信号等のように遠隔地の機器から送られてくる画像信号や、画像読取装置，コンピュータ等のように画像形成装置の周辺の機器から送られてくる画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上にトナー，インク等の顕画化剤で形成する画像形成装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来この種の画像形成装置は電話回線を通じて遠隔地から送られてくるファクシミリの画像信号や、画像形成装置の周辺に配置した画像読取装置やコンピュータ等から送られてくる複数種類の画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上にトナー，インク等の顕画化剤で形成している。
【０００３】
このような複数種類の機器からの画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上にトナー，インク等の顕画化剤で形成する画像形成装置において、顕画化手段として電子写真方式を利用した場合は、一様に帯電した像担持体表面に、画像信号に応答して発光するレーザースキャナーやＬＥＤアレイ等で形成した静電潜像を、現像装置でトナー像に現像し、該トナー像を転写材に転写，定着し顕画化像として出力する。また、画像信号に対応した画像形成を実行する毎に現像装置内のトナーは消費されて減少する。現像装置内のトナーの残量が無くなれば画像形成を実行しても白紙しか出力されず顕画化像は得られない。このような事態を避けるために、従来の画像形成装置では現像装置内のトナーの残量を検知する手段を設け、現像装置内のトナー残量が所定の量まで減少したことを検知するとトナーの補給を促す表示をすると同時に画像形成の実行を禁止するように構成されていた。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、前記従来技術には以下のような欠点があった。
【０００５】
従来の上述のような画像形成装置においては現像装置内のトナーの残量が所定の量まで減少し画像形成の実行が禁止された状態では電話回線を通じて遠隔地から送られてくるファクシミリ信号を受信しても画像形成は実行されない。この状況は現像装置内のトナーが補給されるまで続く。すなわち画像形成装置が一時的にファクシミリ信号を無視してしまうという重大な欠点となる。また、現像装置内のトナー残量が所定の量まで減少したことを検知するとトナーの補給を促す表示のみをする構成では、装置の周囲の画像読取装置やコンピュータのオペレータがトナー補給の表示に気付かなかったり表示を無視して画像信号を画像形成装置に送り続けるといずれは現像装置内のトナーが完全に無くなり、白紙しか出力されなくなる。装置の周囲のオペレータは白紙が出力されることですぐに装置の異常に気付くためトラブルは小さいが、遠隔地からファクシミリの送信を行ったオペレータはこの状況を知らないためにファクシミリの送信者と受信者の間では大きなトラブルが発生するという重大な欠点となる。
【０００６】
そこで、本発明の目的は、顕画化剤の残量が所定の量まで減少しても、例えば顕画化剤の補給ができない遠隔地のオペレータが送信した所定の機器からの画像信号を無視することなく顕画化し、それ以外の例えば、顕画化剤の補給が可能な画像形成装置の周囲のオペレータが送信した機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行しないことで顕画化剤の補給が支障なく行える画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【０００７】
本発明の他の目的は、顕画化剤の残量が所定の量まで減少した場合には、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は消費する顕画化剤を減じて実行することによって顕画化剤が完全に無くなり出力画像が白紙となるまでに顕画化剤の補給ができない遠隔地のオペレータが送信した画像信号を一層多く顕画化できる画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【０００８】
本発明のさらに他の目的は、顕画化剤の残量が所定の量まで減少した後に実行した画像形成の回数をカウントし、前記そのカウント数が所定の回数になった場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないことで、顕画化剤の補給ができない遠隔地のオペレータが送信した画像信号を画像出力が白紙になってしまわない回数だけ顕画化できる画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【０００９】
本発明のさらに他の目的は、顕画化剤の残量が第１の所定の量まで減少した場合には所定の機器からの画像信号のみの画像形成を実行し、さらに顕画化剤の残量が第１の所定の量より少ない第２の所定量まで減少した場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないことで、顕画化剤が第１の所定の量まで減少した後も当該所定の機器からの画像信号を一定量だけ画像形成することができる画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【００１０】
本発明のさらに他の目的は、前記所定の機器からの画像信号も画像形成しない状態で当該所定の機器からの画像信号を受信した際に、画像形成しない旨の信号を当該所定の機器に送出する画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【００１１】
本発明のさらに他の目的は、前記所定の機器を予め定めることができる画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、請求項１にかかる発明は、複数種類の機器から受信した画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上に顕画化剤で形成する顕画化手段と、受信した画像信号が所定の機器からの画像信号であることを検知する所定機器検知手段と、該顕画化手段における顕画化剤の残量を検知する残量検知手段と、該残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が画像形成可能な所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合には前記所定機器検知手段の検知結果に基づいて、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行し、前記所定の機器以外の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行しないように前記顕画化手段を制御する制御手段とを有し、前記所定の機器の種類を選択し設定可能であることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、請求項２にかかる発明は、複数種類の機器から受信した画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上に顕画化剤で形成する顕画化手段と、受信した画像信号が所定の機器からの画像信号であることを検知する所定機器検知手段と、該顕画化手段における顕画化剤の残量を検知する残量検知手段と、前記顕画化手段が画像形成を実行する際に消費する顕画化剤の量を減少させるよう画像形成条件を変更する変更手段と、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が画像形成可能な所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合には前記所定機器検知手段の検知結果に基づいて、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は消費する顕画化剤の量を減じるように前記変更手段により画像形成条件を変更して画像形成を実行し、前記所定の機器以外の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行しないように前記顕画化手段を制御する制御手段とを具えたことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
さらに、請求項３にかかる発明は、請求項１または２において、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量まで減少したことを検知した後に前記顕画化手段が実行した画像形成枚数を数えるカウント手段を具備し、前記制御手段は、前記カウント手段のカウント枚数が所定の枚数になった場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないように前記顕画化手段を制御することを特徴とする。
【００１５】
さらに、請求項４にかかる発明は、請求項１または２において、前記制御手段は、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量まで減少したことを検知した後、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量より少ない第２の所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
さらに、請求項５にかかる発明は、請求項３または４において、前記制御手段が、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しない状態で当該所定の機器から画像信号を受信した場合には画像形成を実行しない旨の信号を当該所定の機器に送出する手段を有することを特徴とする。
【００１８】
【実施例】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施例を詳細に説明する。
【００１９】
図２はファクシミリとプリンタと複写機の機能を有する下記各実施例にかかる画像形成装置のブロック図である。
【００２０】
１は画像形成装置であって、下記の構成要素２〜８を有する。電話回線１０からのファクシミリの受信信号は復号化装置８でビットマップ状の画像信号に復号化した後にインターフェイス３を通って顕画化装置４で顕画化される。コンピュータ９からの画像信号はインターフェイス３を通って顕画化装置４で顕画化される。原稿画像を光電変換して読み取るリーダー２からの画像信号はインターフェイス３を通って顕画化装置４で顕画化される。
【００２１】
リーダー２，インターフェイス３，顕画化装置４，表示部５はいずれもＣＰＵ６と相互に通信しあうことによってＣＰＵ６に制御されている。ＣＰＵ６は、後述の図１，図４，図５に示す如きＣＰＵ６の制御手順を格納した領域およびＣＰＵ６の作業領域を有する記憶手段を含む。
【００２２】
図３は画像形成装置１における顕画化装置４の主要部の断面の概略図である。一次帯電装置１１で一様に帯電した像担持体２０の表面に、入力された画像信号に応答して発光するレーザービーム１２を走査して該像担持体２０の表面上に静電潜像を形成し、該静電潜像を現像装置１３でトナー像に現像し、該トナー像を転写装置１４で転写材１５に転写した後、図示しない定着装置で転写材１５上のトナー像を該転写材１５に定着して出力する。本例においては像担持体２０の表面の一様帯電電位は−７００Ｖで、画像白部に対応した潜像電位は−７００Ｖで画像黒部に対応した潜像電位は−２５０Ｖである。現像装置１３は、直流成分を含んだ現像バイアス電圧を印加した現像材担持体１６を像担持体２０に対向させることで該像担持体２０の表面上の静電潜像をトナー像に現像する装置である。現像装置１３の現像方式はマイナス極性のトナーを使用した反転現象方式である。現像バイアス電源１７が現像剤担持体１６に供給する現像バイアス電圧の直流成分の値はＣＰＵ６から送られてくる制御信号に応じて変化する。
【００２３】
現像装置１３の内部にはトナーの残量を検知するトナー残量検知装置１８が配置してある。トナー残量検知装置１８は圧電素子等で構成されており現像装置１３内部のトナー量が所定の量まで減少したか否かをＣＰＵ６に伝える。トナー残量が所定の量になるとトナー残量検知装置１８からの信号はオン状態になる。
【００２４】
［第１の実施例］
図１に上記構成を用いた第１の実施例における画像形成動作のフローチャートを示す。
【００２５】
画像形成装置１の電源をオンし、初期化した後、スタートし、まず、Ｓ１においては、トナー残量検知装置１８からＣＰＵ６に送られる信号がオフの場合、すなわち現像装置１３内部のトナー残量が所定の量を越えている場合には、Ｓ２に進み、そこで画像信号を受信したかを判断し、電話回線１０，コンピューター９，リーダー２のどの装置からの画像信号であっても受信したならば、Ｓ３に進み、受信した画像信号に対応した画像形成を実行し、Ｓ１に戻る。
【００２６】
Ｓ１で、トナー残量検知装置１８からＣＰＵ６に送られる信号がオンの場合、すなわち現像装置１３内部のトナー残量が所定の量以下である場合には、Ｓ４で表示部５の図示しないトナー補給ランプを点灯し、Ｓ５で画像信号を受信するまで待ち、画像信号を受信したときは、Ｓ６に進み、そこで受信した信号がファクシミリ信号か否かを判断する。受信した画像信号が電話回線１０からのファクシミリ信号である場合のみＳ７で該画像信号の画像形成を実行し、Ｓ１に戻る。Ｓ６で受信した画像信号がコンピュータ９からの画像信号である場合はＳ８に進み、そこでＣＰＵ６がインターフェイス３を介してコンピュータ９へトナー残量不足のため画像形成を禁止している旨のメッセージを送信し、Ｓ１に戻る。Ｓ６で受信した画像信号がリーダ２からの画像信号である場合はＳ８においてＣＰＵ６が表示部６へトナー残量不足のため画像形成を禁止している旨のメッセージを送信し、Ｓ１に戻る。
【００２７】
本実施例によれば、現像装置内部のトナー残量が所定の量以下に減少してもトナーの補給が行えない遠隔地のオペレータが送信してきたファクシミリの画像信号のみは画像形成を実行するので遠隔地のオペレータは受信側の画像形成装置のトナー残量状態に関わらず情報を伝えることができる。
【００２８】
また、本実施例によれば、現像装置内部のトナー残量が所定の量に減少すると、ファクシミリ信号以外の画像信号を受信した場合は、画像形成を実行しないことで装置周辺のオペレータにトナーの補給を強く促すことができるばかりでなく、現像装置内部に残ったトナーは全てファクシミリの受信用として使用することでトナーが完全に無くなり、顕画化装置の画像出力が白紙になってしまうまでにより多くのファクシミリの受信信号を顕画化することができる。
【００２９】
［第２の実施例］
第２の実施例においてはトナー残量検知装置１８からの信号に応じて画像形成を実行中の現像剤担持体１６に供給されるバイアス電圧を変化させる。図４に本例におけるバイアス電圧の変化も含めた画像形成の動作のフローチャートを示すが、第１の実施例と共通のステップは同一符号を付し、本実施例において特徴とする部分を主に説明する。まず、Ｓ１において、トナー残量検知装置１８からＣＰＵ６に送られる信号がオフの場合、すなわち現像装置１３内部のトナー残量が所定の量を越えている場合には、Ｓ２に進み、そこで画像信号を受信した場合には、それが電話回線１０，コンピュータ９，リーダー２のどの装置から受信した画像信号でも即座に画像形成を実行すべく、Ｓ９に進み、そこで、顕画化像の画像濃度が十分になるように、ＣＰＵ６からの制御信号で現像剤担持体１６に供給する現像バイアス電圧を−６００Ｖに設定し、Ｓ３に進む。
【００３０】
また、Ｓ１において、トナー残量検知装置１８からＣＰＵ６に送られる信号がオンの場合、すなわち現像装置１３内部のトナー残量が所定の量以下に減少している場合には、Ｓ４，Ｓ５を経てＳ６に進み、受信した画像信号が電話回線１０からのファクシミリ信号である場合のみ該画像信号の画像形成を実行すべく、Ｓ１０において、ＣＰＵ６からの制御信号で現像剤担持体１６に供給する現像バイアス電圧を−４５０Ｖに設定し、Ｓ７に進む。現像バイアス電圧を−４５０Ｖに設定しても現像コントラストが小さくなるので画像濃度が若干薄くなるが、欠落する情報はない。
【００３１】
本実施例によれば、第１の実施例の効果に加えて、現像装置内部のトナー残量が所定の量に減少した後に実行するファクシミリの受信信号の画像形成を、現像バイアス電圧を変化させて消費するトナー量を減少させて行うことによってトナーが完全に無くなり顕画化装置の画像出力が白紙になってしまうまでにより多くのファクシミリの受信信号を顕画化することができるという効果が得られる。
【００３２】
また本動作例においては、画像形成を実行する際に消費するトナー量を減少させる手段は前記した現像バイアス電圧の変更のみに限定しなくとも同様の効果を得ることができる。例えばレーザービーム１２の光量，像担持体２０の一様帯電電位等を変化させてもよい。画像を縮小して出力してもトナーの消費量を減らすことができる。顕画化装置としてインクジェット方式を利用する場合にはインク噴出用ノズルに供給する電力を変化させればよい。
【００３３】
［第３の実施例］
本実施例においてはトナー残量検知装置１８が現像装置１３内部のトナー残量が所定の量まで減少したことを検知した後に実行したファクシミリの受信信号の画像形成の回数を数えるカウンタＮをＣＰＵ６ないの記憶手段上に設け、その回数が所定の回数になった場合にはファクシミリの受信信号の画像形成も実行しない構成にすることでファクシミリの受信信号の顕画化像が白紙のままで出力されることを防止することができる。
【００３４】
図５に第３の実施例における画像形成動作のフローチャートを示すが、第１の実施例と共通のステップは同一符号を付し、本実施例において特徴とする部分を主に説明する。スタート後、まずＳ０において、カウンタＮを０にし、Ｓ１に進む。また、Ｓ６でファクシミリ信号受信の場合は、Ｓ１１に進み、Ｎが１００未満かを判断し、１００未満であればＳ７に、そうでなければＳ８に進む。Ｓ７を実行後はＳ１２に進み、そこでカウンタＮのカウント値を１つ更新してＳ４に戻る。従って、第３の実施例においては、現像装置１３内部のトナー残量が所定の量まで減少した後、１００回だけファクシミリの受信信号の画像形成が実行できる。それ以後のファクシミリの受信信号については画像形成が禁止され、Ｓ８において、送信側の装置にトナー不足のために画像形成が禁止されていることを伝える。
【００３５】
本実施例によれば、ファクシミリ受信信号の顕画化像が白紙のままで出力されることを防止することができる。
【００３６】
［第４の実施例］
本実施例においてはトナー残量検知手段１８が検知するトナーの残量に第１の所定量と第２の所定量を設け、第１の所定量＞第２の所定量とし、トナー残量検知手段がトナーの残量が第１の所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合にはファクシミリの受信信号のみの画像形成を実行し、トナー残量検知手段がトナーの残量が第２の所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合にはすべての画像信号の画像形成を行わないようにすることでファクシミリの受信信号の顕画化像が白紙のままで出力されることを防止することができる。
【００３７】
図６に第４の実施例に適用可能な現像装置１３の概略図を示す。第１のトナー残量検知装置２１でトナーの残量が第１の所定量に減少したことを検知し、第２のトナー残量検知装置２２でトナーの残量が第２の所定量に減少したことを検知することができる。第１，第２のトナー残量検知装置２１，２２は圧電素子等で構成することができる。
【００３８】
［第５の実施例］
これまでの実施例は現像装置１３の内部のトナーの残量が所定の量まで減少してもファクシミリの受信信号のみは画像形成を実行する構成の説明をしてきたが、現像装置１３の内部のトナーの残量が所定の量まで減少しても画像形成を実行する画像信号の種類はファクシミリの受信信号に限定するものではない。
【００３９】
第１の実施例のコンピュータ９が遠隔地に配置されている場合はコンピュータ９からの画像信号もトナー残量検知の信号がオンになった後も画像形成を実行する構成にすればよい。
【００４０】
さらに画像形成装置１の図示しない操作部等でトナー残量が所定量に減少しても画像形成を実行する機器の種類を予め選択し設定できる構成にすれば本発明の効果をより大きくすることができる。
【００４１】
本発明の顕画化装置はトナーを使用する電子写真方式に限定するものではなく、インク等を使用するインクジェット方式のものであっても同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば複数種類の機器から受信した画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上に顕画化剤で形成する画像形成装置において、顕画化剤の残量が画像形成可能な所定の量まで減少しても、予め定めた所定の機器、例えば顕画化剤の補給ができない遠隔地のオペレータが送信した所定の機器からの画像信号を無視することなく顕画化でき、それ以外の顕画化剤の補給が可能な画像形成装置の周囲のオペレータが送信した機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行しないことで顕画化剤の補給を支障なく行うことができる。
【００４３】
さらに本発明によれば、顕画化剤の残量が画像形成可能な所定の量まで減少した場合には、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は消費する顕画化剤を減じるように画像形成条件を変更して実行することによって顕画化剤が完全に無くなり出力画像が白紙となるまでに顕画化剤の補給ができない遠隔地のオペレータが送信した画像信号を一層多く顕画化できる。
【００４４】
さらに本発明によれば、顕画化剤の残量が所定の量まで減少した後に実行した画像形成の枚数をカウントし、前記そのカウント枚数が所定の枚数になった場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないことで、顕画化剤の補給ができない遠隔地のオペレータが送信した画像信号を画像出力が白紙になってしまわない枚数だけ顕画化できる。
【００４５】
さらに本発明によれば、顕画化剤の残量が所定の量まで減少した後に顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量より少ない第２の所定量まで減少した場合には、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないことで、顕画化剤が前記所定の量まで減少した後も当該所定の機器からの画像信号を一定量だけ画像形成することができる。
【００４６】
さらに本発明によれば、前記所定の機器からの画像信号も画像形成しない状態で当該所定の機器からの画像信号を受信した際に、画像形成しない旨の信号を当該所定の機器に送出する画像形成装置を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１の実施例の画像形成の動作のフローチャートである。
【図２】ファクシミリとプリンタと複写機の機能を有する本発明にかかる画像形成装置のブロック図である。
【図３】顕画化装置の要部断面図である。
【図４】第２の実施例の画像形成の動作のフローチャートである。
【図５】第３の実施例の画像形成の動作のフローチャートである。
【図６】第４の実施例の現像装置１３の概略図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 画像形成装置
２ リーダー
３ インターフェイス
４ 顕画化装置
５ 表示部
６ ＣＰＵ
７ 符号化装置
８ 復号化装置
９ コンピュータ
１０ 電話回線
１１ 一次帯電装置
１２ レーザービーム
１３ 現像装置
１４ 転写装置
１５ 転写材
１６ 現像剤担持体
１７ 現像バイアス電源
１８ トナー残量検知装置
２０ 像担持体
２１ 第１のトナー残量検知装置
２２ 第２のトナー残量検知装置[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, in particular, an image signal sent from a remote device such as a facsimile signal, and an image reading device, a computer, and other peripheral devices around the image forming device. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image corresponding to an image signal on a transfer material using a developing agent such as toner or ink.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of image forming apparatus is compatible with facsimile image signals sent from a remote location through a telephone line, and with multiple types of image signals sent from an image reading device or a computer arranged around the image forming apparatus. The formed image is formed on a transfer material with a developing agent such as toner or ink.
[0003]
In an image forming apparatus that forms an image corresponding to image signals from a plurality of types of devices on a transfer material using a developing agent such as toner or ink, when an electrophotographic method is used as a visualizing unit, An electrostatic latent image formed by a laser scanner or an LED array that emits light in response to an image signal on a uniformly charged image carrier surface is developed into a toner image by a developing device, and the toner image is transferred to a transfer material. The image is transferred, fixed and output as a visualized image. Further, every time image formation corresponding to an image signal is executed, the toner in the developing device is consumed and reduced. If the remaining amount of toner in the developing device is exhausted, even if image formation is performed, only a blank sheet is output and a visualized image cannot be obtained. In order to avoid such a situation, the conventional image forming apparatus is provided with a means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the developing device, and detects that the remaining amount of toner in the developing device has decreased to a predetermined amount. It is configured to display a message prompting replenishment and to prohibit execution of image formation at the same time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the prior art has the following disadvantages.
[0005]
In the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, when the remaining amount of toner in the developing device is reduced to a predetermined amount and execution of image formation is prohibited, a facsimile signal transmitted from a remote place through a telephone line is received. However, no image formation is performed. This situation continues until the toner in the developing device is replenished. That is, there is a serious drawback that the image forming apparatus temporarily ignores the facsimile signal. Further, in the configuration in which only the display for urging toner replenishment is detected when it is detected that the remaining amount of toner in the developing device has decreased to a predetermined amount, an image reading device or a computer operator around the device may notice the toner replenishment display. If the image signal is continuously sent to the image forming apparatus ignoring the display or ignoring the display, eventually the toner in the developing apparatus completely disappears, and only a blank sheet is output. The operator around the machine immediately notices the malfunction of the machine by the output of a blank page, so there is little trouble.However, the operator who transmitted the facsimile from a remote location does not know this situation, so the operator who sent the facsimile received It is a serious disadvantage that a big trouble occurs between the persons.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to ignore an image signal from a predetermined device transmitted by a remote operator who cannot supply a developing agent even if the remaining amount of the developing agent decreases to a predetermined amount. For example, the image signal from an apparatus transmitted by an operator around the image forming apparatus capable of supplying the developing agent is not executed, and thus the image forming apparatus is supplied. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can perform the operation without any trouble.
[0007]
Another object of the present invention is to perform the image formation of the image signal from the predetermined device by reducing the consumed amount of the developing agent when the remaining amount of the developing agent decreases to a predetermined amount. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of developing more image signals transmitted by a remote operator who cannot supply the developing agent until the developing agent completely disappears and the output image becomes blank. .
[0008]
Still another object of the present invention is to count the number of image formations performed after the remaining amount of the developing agent has decreased to a predetermined amount, and when the counted number reaches a predetermined number, the predetermined number of times. By not executing image formation of image signals from other devices, the image signal transmitted by a remote operator who cannot supply the visualization agent can be visualized as many times as possible without causing the image output to become blank. It is to provide a device.
[0009]
Still another object of the present invention is to execute image formation of only an image signal from a predetermined device when the remaining amount of the developing agent has decreased to a first predetermined amount, When the remaining amount is reduced to a second predetermined amount that is smaller than the first predetermined amount, the image forming device does not execute the image formation of the image signal from the predetermined device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of a predetermined amount from an image signal from the predetermined device even after the image signal has been reduced to a certain level.
[0010]
Still another object of the present invention is to transmit a signal indicating no image formation to the predetermined device when receiving an image signal from the predetermined device in a state where neither the image signal from the predetermined device nor the image is formed. To provide an image forming apparatus.
[0011]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of setting the predetermined device in advance.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a visualization unit that forms an image corresponding to image signals received from a plurality of types of devices on a transfer material using a visualization agent, and a received image signal. A predetermined device detecting means for detecting that the image signal is an image signal from a predetermined device, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developing agent in the visualizing means, and the remaining amount detecting means When detecting that the remaining amount of the agent has decreased to a predetermined amount capable of forming an image , based on the detection result of the predetermined device detection unit, image formation of an image signal from the predetermined device is executed, Control means for controlling the visualization means so as not to execute image formation of an image signal from a device other than the predetermined device , wherein the type of the predetermined device can be selected and set. And
[0013]
Further, the invention according to claim 2 is a visualization means for forming an image corresponding to image signals received from a plurality of types of devices on a transfer material with a visualization agent, and the received image signal is transmitted from a predetermined device. A predetermined device detecting means for detecting that the image signal is an image signal, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developing agent in the visualizing means, and Changing means for changing the image forming conditions so as to reduce the amount of the developing agent consumed, and the remaining amount detecting means detecting that the remaining amount of the developing agent has decreased to a predetermined amount capable of forming an image . If it based on a detection result of the predetermined device detecting means, by changing an image forming condition by the changing means such that the image forming of the image signal from said prescribed device will reduce the amount of image-forming agent to consumption executes image formation Te, from a device other than said prescribed device The image forming of the image signal is characterized in that and control means for controlling said image-forming means so as not to run.
[0014]
Further, the invention according to claim 3, in claim 1 or 2, wherein the image-forming means is performed after said residual quantity detecting means remaining amount of the image-forming agent has detected that it has decreased to the predetermined amount and comprising a counting means for counting the number of formed images were, the control means, so that the count sheets number of said counting means does not perform any image formation of the image signal from the predetermined device if it becomes a predetermined number of sheets And controlling the visualizing means.
[0015]
Further, the invention according to claim 4, in claim 1 or 2, wherein, after said residual quantity detecting means remaining amount of the image-forming agent has detected that it has decreased to the predetermined amount, the run image formation of the image signal from the predetermined device when the remaining amount detecting means detects that the remaining amount of the image-forming agent is decreased to a second predetermined amount less than the amount of pre Kisho constant It is characterized by not doing.
[0016]
Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the control means receives an image signal from the predetermined device without executing image formation of an image signal from the predetermined device. Is characterized by having means for sending a signal to the effect that image formation is not to be performed to the predetermined device.
[0018]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus having functions of a facsimile, a printer, and a copying machine according to each of the following embodiments.
[0020]
An image forming apparatus 1 includes the following components 2 to 8. The received facsimile signal from the telephone line 10 is decoded into a bitmap image signal by the decoding device 8 and then rendered by the rendering device 4 through the interface 3. The image signal from the computer 9 is visualized by the visualization device 4 through the interface 3. An image signal from the reader 2 that reads the original image by photoelectric conversion passes through the interface 3 and is visualized by the visualization device 4.
[0021]
The reader 2, the interface 3, the visualization device 4, and the display unit 5 are controlled by the CPU 6 by mutually communicating with the CPU 6. The CPU 6 includes a storage unit having an area storing a control procedure of the CPU 6 and a work area of the CPU 6 as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 described later.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a cross section of a main part of the visualization device 4 in the image forming apparatus 1. A laser beam 12 emitting light in response to an input image signal is scanned over the surface of the image carrier 20 uniformly charged by the primary charging device 11 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier 20. Then, the electrostatic latent image is formed into a toner image by a developing device 13, and the toner image is transferred to a transfer material 15 by a transfer device 14. Then, the toner image on the transfer material 15 is transferred by a fixing device (not shown). The image is fixed on the material 15 and output. In the present embodiment, the uniform charging potential on the surface of the image carrier 20 is -700 V, the latent image potential corresponding to the image white portion is -700 V, and the latent image potential corresponding to the image black portion is -250 V. The developing device 13 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier 20 into a toner image by causing the developer carrier 16 to which a developing bias voltage including a DC component is applied to face the image carrier 20. Device. The developing system of the developing device 13 is a reversal phenomenon system using a toner of negative polarity. The value of the DC component of the developing bias voltage supplied from the developing bias power supply 17 to the developer carrier 16 changes according to a control signal sent from the CPU 6.
[0023]
Inside the developing device 13, a toner remaining amount detecting device 18 for detecting the remaining amount of toner is disposed. The toner remaining amount detecting device 18 is constituted by a piezoelectric element or the like, and notifies the CPU 6 whether or not the toner amount inside the developing device 13 has decreased to a predetermined amount. When the remaining amount of toner reaches a predetermined amount, the signal from the remaining amount detecting device 18 is turned on.
[0024]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of an image forming operation in the first embodiment using the above configuration.
[0025]
The power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, initialized, and started. First, in S1, when the signal sent from the toner remaining amount detecting device 18 to the CPU 6 is off, that is, the toner remaining amount inside the developing device 13 If the image signal exceeds the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to S2, where it is determined whether the image signal has been received. If the image signal is received from any of the telephone line 10, the computer 9, and the reader 2, For example, the process proceeds to S3, executes image formation corresponding to the received image signal, and returns to S1.
[0026]
In S1, when the signal sent from the toner remaining amount detecting device 18 to the CPU 6 is ON, that is, when the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 13 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, in S4, the toner supply (not shown) The lamp is turned on and waits until an image signal is received in S5. When an image signal is received, the process proceeds to S6, where it is determined whether or not the received signal is a facsimile signal. Only when the received image signal is a facsimile signal from the telephone line 10, image formation of the image signal is executed in S7, and the process returns to S1. If the image signal received in S6 is an image signal from the computer 9, the process proceeds to S8, in which the CPU 6 transmits a message to the computer 9 via the interface 3 indicating that image formation is prohibited due to insufficient toner. Then, the process returns to S1. If the image signal received in S6 is an image signal from the reader 2, the CPU 6 transmits a message to the display unit 6 indicating that image formation is prohibited due to insufficient toner remaining amount in S8, and returns to S1.
[0027]
According to the present embodiment, since only a facsimile image signal transmitted by a remote operator who cannot supply toner even if the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device is reduced to a predetermined amount or less performs image formation. An operator at a remote location can transmit information regardless of the remaining toner state of the image forming apparatus on the receiving side.
[0028]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device is reduced to a predetermined amount, when an image signal other than a facsimile signal is received, the image forming is not executed, so that an operator around the device can receive toner. Not only can the replenishment be strongly encouraged, but also the toner remaining inside the developing device can be completely used up for facsimile reception and the toner completely disappears, and the image output from the visualization device becomes blank. Many facsimile reception signals can be visualized.
[0029]
[Second embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the bias voltage supplied to the developer carrier 16 during image formation is changed according to a signal from the toner remaining amount detecting device 18. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the image forming operation including the change in the bias voltage in the present embodiment. Steps common to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be mainly described. explain. First, in S1, if the signal sent from the toner remaining amount detecting device 18 to the CPU 6 is OFF, that is, if the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device 13 exceeds a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to S2, where the image signal is output. Is received, the process proceeds to S9 in order to immediately execute image formation using any of the image signals received from any of the telephone line 10, the computer 9, and the reader 2, where the image density of the visualized image is reduced. The developing bias voltage supplied to the developer carrier 16 is set to -600 V by a control signal from the CPU 6 so as to be sufficient, and the process proceeds to S3.
[0030]
Also, in S1, if the signal sent from the toner remaining amount detecting device 18 to the CPU 6 is ON, that is, if the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device 13 has decreased to a predetermined amount or less, the process goes through S4 and S5 Proceeding to S6, in order to execute image formation of the received image signal only when the received image signal is a facsimile signal from the telephone line 10, the developing bias supplied to the developer carrier 16 by the control signal from the CPU 6 is executed in S10. The voltage is set to -450 V, and the process proceeds to S7. Even if the developing bias voltage is set at -450 V, the image density is slightly reduced because the developing contrast is reduced, but there is no missing information.
[0031]
According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the image forming of the facsimile reception signal executed after the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device is reduced to a predetermined amount is performed by changing the developing bias voltage. By reducing the amount of toner consumed, it is possible to visualize more facsimile received signals until the toner completely disappears and the image output of the visualization device becomes blank. Can be
[0032]
Further, in this operation example, the same effect can be obtained even if the means for reducing the amount of toner consumed when executing image formation is not limited to only the above-described change of the developing bias voltage. For example, the light amount of the laser beam 12, the uniform charging potential of the image carrier 20, and the like may be changed. Even if the image is reduced and output, the amount of toner consumption can be reduced. When an ink jet system is used as the visualization device, the power supplied to the ink ejection nozzles may be changed.
[0033]
[Third embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the CPU 6 does not include a counter N that counts the number of times of image formation of the facsimile reception signal executed after the toner remaining amount detecting device 18 detects that the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device 13 has decreased to a predetermined amount. Is provided on the storage means, and when the number of times reaches a predetermined number, the image formation of the received signal of the facsimile is not executed so that the visualized image of the received signal of the facsimile is output as a blank sheet. Can be prevented.
[0034]
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an image forming operation in the third embodiment. Steps common to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the features of this embodiment will be mainly described. After the start, first, in S0, the counter N is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S1. If a facsimile signal is received in S6, the process proceeds to S11, where it is determined whether N is less than 100. If N is less than 100, the process proceeds to S7, and if not, the process proceeds to S8. After executing S7, the process proceeds to S12, where the count value of the counter N is updated by one and the process returns to S4. Therefore, in the third embodiment, after the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device 13 is reduced to the predetermined amount, the image formation of the facsimile reception signal can be executed only 100 times. Image formation is prohibited for the facsimile reception signal thereafter, and in step S8, the fact that the image formation is prohibited due to a shortage of toner is notified to the transmitting apparatus.
[0035]
According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a visualized image of a facsimile reception signal from being output as a blank sheet.
[0036]
[Fourth embodiment]
In this embodiment, a first predetermined amount and a second predetermined amount are provided for the remaining amount of toner detected by the toner remaining amount detecting means 18, and the first predetermined amount is larger than the second predetermined amount. When the means detects that the remaining amount of toner has decreased to the first predetermined amount, it executes image formation using only a facsimile reception signal, and the toner remaining amount detecting means determines that the remaining amount of toner is equal to the second predetermined amount. When it is detected that the amount has decreased to the amount, the image formation of all the image signals is not performed so that the visualized image of the received signal of the facsimile can be prevented from being output as a blank sheet. it can.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a developing device 13 applicable to the fourth embodiment. The first toner remaining amount detecting device 21 detects that the remaining amount of toner has decreased to a first predetermined amount, and the second toner remaining amount detecting device 22 reduces the remaining amount of toner to a second predetermined amount. Can be detected. The first and second toner remaining amount detecting devices 21 and 22 can be constituted by piezoelectric elements or the like.
[0038]
[Fifth embodiment]
In the above-described embodiments, the description has been given of the configuration in which only the facsimile reception signal performs image formation even when the remaining amount of toner inside the developing device 13 decreases to a predetermined amount. Even if the remaining amount of toner decreases to a predetermined amount, the type of image signal for executing image formation is not limited to a facsimile reception signal.
[0039]
If the computer 9 of the first embodiment is located at a remote place, the image signal from the computer 9 may be configured to execute image formation even after the toner remaining amount detection signal is turned on.
[0040]
Further, if the configuration is such that the type of device for performing image formation can be preliminarily selected and set even if the remaining amount of toner is reduced to a predetermined amount by an operation unit or the like (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, the effect of the present invention can be further enhanced. Can be.
[0041]
The visualization device of the present invention is not limited to the electrophotographic system using toner, and the same effect can be obtained even if it is an inkjet system using ink or the like.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the image forming apparatus that forms in the image-forming agent an image corresponding to the image signals received from the plurality of types of devices on the transfer material according to the present invention, the remaining amount of the image-forming agent image Even if the amount is reduced to a predetermined amount that can be formed , visualization is performed without ignoring an image signal from a predetermined predetermined device, for example , a predetermined device transmitted by a remote operator who cannot supply a visualizing agent. It is possible to replenish the developing agent without any trouble by not performing the image formation of the image signal from the device transmitted by the operator around the image forming apparatus capable of replenishing the developing agent. .
[0043]
Further according to the present invention, when the remaining amount of the image-forming agent is reduced to a predetermined amount that can image formation, image formation of the image signal from the predetermined device Ru subtracting the image-forming agent to consume By changing and executing the image forming conditions as described above, the visualization agent is completely eliminated and the image signal transmitted by the remote operator who cannot supply the visualization agent until the output image becomes blank is further developed. Can be painted.
[0044]
Further, according to the present invention, the number of image formations executed after the remaining amount of the developing agent has decreased to a predetermined amount is counted, and when the counted number reaches the predetermined number , the predetermined device is counted. By not executing the image formation of the image signal from the printer, the image signals transmitted by the remote operator who cannot supply the visualizing agent can be visualized by the number of images that do not cause the image output to become blank.
[0045]
Further according to the present invention, when the remaining amount of the image-forming agent is the remaining amount of sensible fractionated agent after reduced to a predetermined amount has decreased to a second predetermined amount smaller than the predetermined amount, the predetermined image forming of the image signal from the device is also that it does not run, it is possible to image-forming agent is a predetermined amount only image forming an image signal from the predetermined device even after reduced to the predetermined amount.
[0046]
Further, according to the present invention, when an image signal from the predetermined device is received in a state where the image signal from the predetermined device is not also formed, an image for not transmitting an image is transmitted to the predetermined device. A forming device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an image forming operation according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention having functions of a facsimile, a printer, and a copying machine.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the visualization device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an image forming operation according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an image forming operation according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a developing device 13 according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Reader 3 Interface 4 Visualization device 5 Display unit 6 CPU
7 Encoding device 8 Decoding device 9 Computer 10 Telephone line 11 Primary charging device 12 Laser beam 13 Developing device 14 Transfer device 15 Transfer material 16 Developer carrier 17 Developing bias power supply 18 Toner remaining amount detecting device 20 Image carrier 21 First toner remaining amount detecting device 22 Second toner remaining amount detecting device

Claims (5)

複数種類の機器から受信した画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上に顕画化剤で形成する顕画化手段と、
受信した画像信号が所定の機器からの画像信号であることを検知する所定機器検知手段と、
該顕画化手段における顕画化剤の残量を検知する残量検知手段と、
該残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が画像形成可能な所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合には前記所定機器検知手段の検知結果に基づいて、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行し、前記所定の機器以外の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行しないように前記顕画化手段を制御する制御手段と、
を有し、前記所定の機器の種類を選択し設定可能であることを特徴とする画像形成装置。Visualization means for forming an image corresponding to an image signal received from a plurality of types of devices on a transfer material with a visualization agent,
Predetermined device detection means for detecting that the received image signal is an image signal from a predetermined device,
Remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developing agent in the visualizing means,
When the remaining amount detecting unit detects that the remaining amount of the developing agent has decreased to a predetermined amount capable of forming an image, an image from the predetermined device is detected based on a detection result of the predetermined device detecting unit. Control means for controlling the visualization means so as to execute the image formation of the signal, and not to perform the image formation of the image signal from the device other than the predetermined device;
Wherein the type of the predetermined device can be selected and set . 複数種類の機器から受信した画像信号に対応した画像を転写材上に顕画化剤で形成する顕画化手段と、
受信した画像信号が所定の機器からの画像信号であることを検知する所定機器検知手段と、
該顕画化手段における顕画化剤の残量を検知する残量検知手段と、
前記顕画化手段が画像形成を実行する際に消費する顕画化剤の量を減少させるよう画像形成条件を変更する変更手段と、
前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が画像形成可能な所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合には前記所定機器検知手段の検知結果に基づいて、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は消費する顕画化剤の量を減じるように前記変更手段により画像形成条件を変更して画像形成を実行し、前記所定の機器以外の機器からの画像信号の画像形成は実行しないように前記顕画化手段を制御する制御手段と、
を具えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。Visualization means for forming an image corresponding to an image signal received from a plurality of types of devices on a transfer material with a visualization agent,
Predetermined device detection means for detecting that the received image signal is an image signal from a predetermined device,
Remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developing agent in the visualizing means,
Changing means for changing the image forming conditions so as to reduce the amount of the developing agent consumed when the visualizing means performs image formation,
When the remaining amount detecting unit detects that the remaining amount of the developing agent has decreased to a predetermined amount capable of forming an image, an image from the predetermined device is detected based on a detection result of the predetermined device detecting unit. imaging signals running by changing an image forming condition the image formed by said changing means to reduce the amount of image-forming agent to consumption, the image formation of the image signal from a device other than said prescribed device will Control means for controlling the visualization means so as not to execute;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 請求項１または２において、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量まで減少したことを検知した後に前記顕画化手段が実行した画像形成枚数を数えるカウント手段を具備し、前記制御手段は、前記カウント手段のカウント枚数が所定の枚数になった場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないように前記顕画化手段を制御することを特徴とする画像形成装置。According to claim 1 or 2, comprising a counting means for counting the number of image formation of said image-forming means it is performed after said residual quantity detecting means remaining amount of the image-forming agent has detected that it has decreased to the predetermined amount and, said control means may count sheets number of said counting means for controlling said image-forming means so as not to run the image forming of the image signal from the predetermined device if it becomes a predetermined number of sheets An image forming apparatus comprising: 請求項１または２において、前記制御手段は、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量まで減少したことを検知した後、前記残量検知手段が顕画化剤の残量が前記所定の量より少ない第２の所定の量まで減少したことを検知した場合には前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しないことを特徴とする画像形成装置。According to claim 1 or 2, wherein said control means, said remaining amount detecting means after the remaining amount of the image-forming agent has detected that it has decreased to the predetermined amount, the remaining amount detecting means is the image-forming agent image forming apparatus characterized by not perform image formation of the image signal from the specified device in the case where the residual amount is detected that it has decreased to a second predetermined amount less than the amount of pre Kisho constant. 請求項３または４において、前記制御手段が、前記所定の機器からの画像信号の画像形成も実行しない状態で当該所定の機器から画像信号を受信した場合には画像形成を実行しない旨の信号を当該所定の機器に送出する手段を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit outputs a signal indicating that image formation is not to be performed when the control unit receives an image signal from the predetermined device in a state where the image signal is not formed from the predetermined device. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for sending the image data to the predetermined device.
JP03724595A 1995-02-24 1995-02-24 Image forming device Expired - Fee Related JP3542394B2 (en)

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JP03724595A JP3542394B2 (en) 1995-02-24 1995-02-24 Image forming device
US08/604,394 US5790918A (en) 1995-02-24 1996-02-21 Image forming apparatus and related method of image forming
DE69627919T DE69627919T2 (en) 1995-02-24 1996-02-23 Imaging apparatus using a visualizing agent
EP96102768A EP0729260B1 (en) 1995-02-24 1996-02-23 Image forming apparatus using visualizing agent

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